Boat Launches: When Will They Open?

Boat launches are open to the public in many states, including New York, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. These launches are typically open year-round, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week, though some may have seasonal closures or specific operating hours. Boat launches may be owned and operated by state governments or local municipalities, and some may require a pass or permit for use. There are several types of boat launches, including hard surface ramps, beach launches, and hand launches. It is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when using boat launches, such as preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and reporting any acts of vandalism or dumping.

Boat launch sites in New York

New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore by boat. The New York State Boat Launching Sites directory provides a comprehensive list of boating ramps and launches across the state. The directory includes information on the type of launch, driving directions, and parking capacity for each site.

Boat launches are typically installed by late May and removed in the fall after Columbus Day. However, this schedule can vary depending on water levels, weather, and ice conditions.

• Glen Lake Canoe Launch: Located off Exit 20 on I-87, 1.3 miles from the Six Flags Great Escape intersection.
• Million Dollar Beach Lake George Village: A popular area beach with lifeguards, showers, picnic areas, and swimming.
• Luzerne State Campground at Fourth Lake: Features a day-use area with a beach, equestrian area, boat rentals, and campsites.
• Hague Town Beach Park: Located on Route 9N, just south of the intersection with Route 8.
• Hudson River Park: A public recreational park in Queensbury open from April through October.
• Brant Lake Dock: Located off Route 8, 1 mile northeast of Brant Lake, with parking for 11 cars.
• Roger's Rock Campsites: Features a public boat launch accessible for a small day-use fee, located 3 miles north of Hague.
• Horicon Boat Launch: Located off Route 9 on County Road 62, north of Pottersville. Recognized as the largest public boat launch on Lake George.
• Lake Luzerne-Hadley, NY: The Hudson River Dock offers parking for 30 cars and trailers.

These are just a few examples of the many boat launch sites available in New York. Be sure to check out the New York State Boat Launching Sites directory for more detailed information on specific launch sites across the state.

Connecticut boat launches

Connecticut's boat ramps and launches provide access to lakes and Long Island Sound, with well-maintained facilities and clear seasons of operation. Many of the boat launches in Connecticut are open year-round, with some closing during the colder months.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection manages several boat launches across the state. Here are some of the notable ones:

• Barn Island Boat Launch: Located in Stonington, this launch offers parking for 60 cars with trailers and chemical toilets available seasonally. It features a large ramp with a floating dock and is often heavily used on weekends.
• Bayberry Lane Boat Launch: Found in Groton, this launch provides parking for 30 cars with trailers and has chemical toilets available seasonally. The ramp is steep, and the water can be shallow at low tide. It also tends to be busy on weekends.
• Branford River Boat Launch: Accessible via I-95, Exit 53, this launch has parking for 50 cars with trailers and chemical toilets available seasonally. Similar to Bayberry Lane, it features a steep ramp, and water depth can be shallow at low tide.
• Connecticut River Boat Launch: This launch, situated in Old Saybrook, offers parking for 75 cars with trailers and year-round chemical toilets. It boasts a large ramp with a floating dock and is frequently busy on weekends.
• Dock Road Boat Launch: Located in Waterford, this launch provides parking for 45 cars with trailers, chemical toilets seasonally, and a steep and narrow ramp. Launching may be challenging during strong southwesterly winds, and it typically sees moderate use on weekends.
• Thames River Boat Launch: With two locations in Groton and New London, these launches offer parking for 25 and 50 cars with trailers, respectively. They have chemical toilets available seasonally, and while the New London location has good launching conditions, launching at the Groton site may be difficult during strong northwesterly winds.
• East River Boat Launch: Found in Guilford/Madison, this launch is accessible via I-95, Exit 59. It provides parking for 25 cars with trailers and chemical toilets seasonally. The launch features concrete planks and usually sees moderate use on weekends.
• Four Mile River Boat Launch: Accessible via I-95, Exit 71, this launch is located on the west side of Four Mile River. It offers parking for 55 cars with trailers and chemical toilets seasonally. The launching area is shallow, and there is a low railroad bridge clearance to be aware of.
• Great Island Boat Launch: This launch is situated in Old Lyme and can be reached via I-95, Exit 70. It provides parking for 35 cars with trailers, chemical toilets seasonally, and tends to be shallow at low tide. It is in high demand on weekends.
• Housatonic River Boat Launch: Found in Milford/Devon, this launch is accessible via I-95, Exit 34, on the east side of the river. It offers parking for 50 cars with trailers and chemical toilets seasonally. Launching here can be challenging due to swift river currents and abnormal tides or extreme flooding. It is a popular choice on weekends.
• Niantic River Boat Launch: Located in Waterford and accessible via I-95, Exit 74, this launch is just northeast of the Route 156 bridge. It provides parking for 100 cars with trailers and has chemical toilets available year-round. It features a large ramp with a floating dock and is often busy on weekends.
• Saugatuck River Boat Launch: Found on the east side of the river via I-95, Exit 17, this launch offers parking for 25 cars with trailers and chemical toilets seasonally. The launching area can be shallow at low tide, and it typically sees moderate use on weekends.

Other Notable Boat Launches in Connecticut

• Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch: Open all year, with a dirt parking lot, paved access road, and a paved ramp. It has chemical toilets, but no disability access.
• Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch: Located in Bigelow Hollow State Park, this launch is open year-round and offers disability access.
• Coventry Lake Boat Launch: Also open year-round, with a seasonal floating wood dock, chemical toilets, and disability access.
• Indian Well State Park Boat Launch: A boat ramp is available from April through September at this park along the Housatonic River.
• Wood Creek Pond Boat Launch: Open all year, with a shallow pond, paved ramp, and access road. It has 12 parking spaces.
• Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch: This launch, located under the Baldwin Bridge, is open year-round and offers disability access.
• Mystic River Boat Launch: Accessible via I-95, Exit 89, this launch is open all year round. It has a dirt access road and ramp, with no docks or toilets. There are eight parking spaces, but no disability access.
• Lake Zoar Boat Launch: Open throughout the year, this launch offers a seasonal floating wood dock and toilets, with disability access.

Boat launch types

Boat launches, also known as boat ramps, are graded slopes, slabs, pads, rails, or planks that allow boats to be moved to and from the water. They are typically made of concrete, steel, stone, or wood. The height of the tide can limit the usability of a boat launch, as the ramp must continue well below the low water level to be usable at low tide.

There are several types of boat launches, including:

• Public boat launches: These are typically found on lakes, rivers, and oceans, and are open for anyone to use. Some public boat launches may charge a small fee for day use.
• Private boat launches: These are often found on private property and are used to launch boats from a home or cottage.
• Commercial boat launches: These are used for launching newly built ships and boats and can also be used for dry-docking and repairing smaller vessels.

Boat launches can vary in size and may have different features, such as accompanying fees, kayak launches, or restroom facilities. It is important to check the specific requirements and regulations for each boat launch before use.

In addition, boat launches may be constructed in different orientations with respect to the shoreline. They can be arranged parallel or perpendicular to the shoreline, or even side-on to the water if space limitations do not allow for a lengthwise launch.

Boat launch fees

Kootenai County, Idaho:

• Daily launch fee for vessels registered in Idaho: $15 per facility per day.
• Annual pass for Idaho vessels: $50 per year, expiring on December 31.
• Daily launch fee for vessels registered outside of Idaho: $30 per facility per day.
• Annual pass for out-of-state vessels: $150 per year, expiring on December 31.

Washington State Parks:

• Daily fee: $7.
• Natural Investment permit: $80 for one year, covering day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations.

Lake George and Southern Adirondack Region:

• Norowal Marina: A public boat launch site with fees varying based on boat type.
• Roger's Rock Campsites: A small day-use fee is charged for access to the public boat launch.

Wisconsin:

Public boat launch facilities typically charge $8 per day. Any fees higher than this require approval from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Superior, WI:

The City of Superior maintains four boat launch sites that require either a daily or annual pass.

Boat launch safety

When you arrive at the boat launch, be mindful of other boaters and maintain a polite and courteous attitude. Ensure that you have all your equipment and that anyone needing to use the restroom does so before joining the launch line. Keep in mind that efficiency is essential, and you should launch your boat as quickly and smoothly as possible to make room for the next boater. If you are launching at night, remember to turn off your headlights so that other drivers can see in their mirrors.

Before backing your trailer into the water, inspect the boat ramp for any hazards or obstacles that could cause issues. Be aware of the tides and currents, especially if you are in a river or tidal area, as understanding these factors will make boating safer and easier. Use smooth and controlled movements when backing your trailer into the water, and avoid jerky motions or sudden direction changes, as these can cause accidents or damage.

Lastly, always prioritize safety when using a boat launch. Follow all posted rules and regulations, wear appropriate safety gear, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your boat launch is a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions